Fedorenko, Feodor (1907-1986): Trial papers regarding de-naturalisation (microfilm)

This material is held atThe Wiener Holocaust Library

  • Reference
    • GB 1556 WL 539a
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1978
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 1900 frames

Scope and Content

The trial of the de-naturalisation of Feodor Fedorenko (aka Feoder Dimitrievich Fedorendo aka Feoder Fedorenko aka Vladimir Serduik), former Ukranian prison guard at Treblinka, initially took place at Waterbury, Connecticut, USA. It was adjourned, to be reconvened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The case was brought on the accusation that Fedorenko had illegally obtained naturalisation as a US citizen because he had lied at the time of entry into the US, by withholding the fact he was a guard at the death camp, Treblinka. However, the judge in this case, refused to believe the testimony of the witnesses for the prosecution, claiming that they had conspired and that their testimony was coached. The case was later successfully appealed, and Fedorenko became the first Nazi war criminal to be deported to the Soviet Union. In a court in Southern Ukraine, June 1986, he was found guilty in of treason; voluntarily going over to the side of the Fascist aggressors; taking part in punitive actions against the peaceful population; and mass executions of citizens of many countries. He was sentenced to death in Kiev in 1986.

Administrative / Biographical History

On January 21, 1981, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of United States of America v. Feodor Federenko (1907-1986). At issue was whether the defendant, Feodor Fedorenko, a seventy-four-year-old Ukrainian-American who during World War Two had served as an armed guard at the infamous Treblinka extermination camp, should have his American citizenship revoked on the basis of this newly discovered fact about his past. The original case, having found in Fedorenko's favour, was successfuly appealed. Fedorenko became the first Nazi war criminal to be deported to the Soviet Union. In a court in Southern Ukraine, June 1986, he was found guilty of treason; voluntarily going over to the side of the Fascist aggressors; taking part in punitive actions against the peaceful population; and mass executions of citizens of many countries. He was sentenced to death in Kiev in 1986.

Arrangement

Material about the case is followed by transcripts of examinations.

Access Information

Open

Acquisition Information

Ben Bernstein

Other Finding Aids

Description exists to this archive on the Wiener Library's online catalogue www.wienerlibrary.co.uk

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Microfilm

Conditions Governing Use

Copies can be made for personal use. Permission must be sought for publication.

Location of Originals

Wiener Collection, Tel Aviv University, Israel